We are the immigration lawyers for creative professionals.

A Fresh Approach

We're not your average immigration law firm. We do things differently and are the best at what we do. We eat, sleep and drink occupational visas and immigration issues and we won't rest until we produce a successful outcome for our clients. We pride ourselves in making the visa and immigration processes as clear, streamlined, and easy to understand as possible.

Who We Serve

Our legal team practices exclusively in immigration law with a focus on individuals and companies in creative industries. Fashion, entertainment, design, art, music – you name it, we've handled it.

If you are a foreign creative professional wanting to work in the United States, a creative organization seeking foreign talent to work in your U.S. office, or if you or your relative is seeking residence or having an immigration issue, we can help.

Meet the Team

We have spent our entire careers practicing exclusively in immigration and nationality law and have built a team with unrivaled collective experience and determination to provide the highest levels of professional service.

We ensure that our clients are the most informed about what can be a complicated process. Our successful track record is a direct result of clients who are empowered and actively participate in their immigration journey. We take the extra time to get to know our clients and determine together the best course of action whether that is pursuing an application for an artist visa, permanent residence or citizenship.

Michael Lehach, Esq.

Founding Partner

Alejandro Filippa, Esq.

Founding Partner

Jung Eun Kim, Esq.

Managing Attorney

Sarah Bibawy, Esq.

Attorney

Amy Vazquez

Paralegal

Kaitlyn Marrero

Paralegal

Fabiana Araujo

Associate

Christopher Hydal

What People Are Saying

Alejandro, Michael and the Lehach Filippa team are a class act. Their professionalism and detailed knowledge of the steps to obtaining an O-1 visa gave me confidence throughout the process. Within six weeks I successfully obtained my artist visa. Lehach Filippa gave me the tools to put my best foot forward and now I have the creative freedom to work for any employer in the United States.

— Melanie G., Stylist

Anyone who has gone through the immigration process of either obtaining a work visa or citizenship knows that it can be overwhelming. Yet, working with the Lehach Filippa team was such a positive experience. They took the time to get to know me and address all of my concerns. Thanks to their hard work, I was able to successfully obtain my Greencard which has allowed me to start my own business and finally work for more than one agency.

— Matteo C., Fashion Model

I like to think of Lehach Filippa as my personal team of lawyers. Their level of service, attention to detail and tenacity make them the best in the business. When I first came to their office, they helped me to secure my O-1 visa. When I met my wife, a US citizen, they helped me successfully obtain my Greencard. Lehach Filippa has been with me every step of the way on my citizenship journey. They really care about their clients!

— Eduardo R., Architect

It’s rare to find a legal team that is so invested in the success of their clients. My path to obtaining a work visa was filled with highs and lows, but the Lehach Filippa team was consistent and unwavering. They were there for me every step of the way and because of their vast experience with every type of immigration law, I was fully aware of my options and able to reach a successful outcome. They are the best, hands down.

— Lucie B., Musician

Contact Us

Our approach is collaborative and team oriented. We ask questions, we engage, we leave no option unexplored. We will be honest and direct about your options. Our rates are very reasonable and in most types of immigration cases a substantial portion of the fees will be due only upon approval.

We invite you to get in touch. Visit our offices for a complimentary consultation or drop us a note to request our introductory materials at hello@lehachfilippa.com

Services

What Do We Do

We focus exclusively on immigration and nationality law. We prepare temporary work visas, applications for permanent residence and represent clients in complex immigration matters. Our clients work in diverse industries such as the performing arts, music, fashion, film, photography, design, fine art, journalism, and more.

Why We Do It

We believe creative professionals should be empowered and active participants in their immigration journey.

We are committed to providing exceptional guidance, clear communication and education for all our clients. We've been called pioneers and progressives in our industry as a result of our streamlined, efficient and fresh approach to obtaining work visas, residence and/or citizenship.

What Type of Client Are You?

Which Type of Visa and/orResidence Status Applies to You?

Temporary

Work Visas

O-Extraordinary Ability (O-1B) "The Artist Visa"

H1-B Specialty Occupation

E-3 Specialty Occupation (applicable to Australian nationals)

Treaty National (applicable to Canadian and Mexican nationals)

Permanent

Residence based on Extraordinary Ability

Employer Sponsored Residency

Family Relationship Residence

Special Cases

Asylum

Citizenship

Removal Defense

Our team is experienced in obtaining all types of immigration benefits for creative professionals.

We obtain benefits that will maximize our clients’ freedom and professional success in the United States.

The Process And What to Expect

There are 2 ingredients to the Artist Visa

It can seem like a tall mountain to climb, but we’re here for you every step of the way. All 10 steps.

Provide us your elaborated CV/resume with all the details

Education and timing is everything

We'll discuss the timeline from start to completion, so you'll know what to expect and make sure nothing is unexplored in the visa process.

Provide us a list of at least eight professionals able to speak to your extraordinary abilities

Notable to your field and profession.

Complete a client-sponsorship questionnaire

We'll ask you all the questions we'll need answers to in order to complete your visa application.

Employer, Agency or Agent Sponsor?

We'll talk about the requirements and definitions of each and choose the best course of action together.

Paperwork inventory and checklist

We like efficiency just like you, so our process is made to be as comprehensive and painless as possible – we promise!

Portfolio please

A compilation of all the elements referenced in your CV in visual form when applicable, consider this the proof that your CV is accurate.

We develop your personal plan and navigate the land of forms

We tell you the information we need, we'll be your team to get it done.

Approval of application and/or request for further evidence

We're almost there! We know this process in and out, we make sure to leave no stone unturned to emphasize all the relevant information and achieve the best possible outcome.

Final review and assessment

In some cases this could also include a meeting at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy for which you will be prepared by our A+ team.

Extension time?

If and when it comes time to extend your visa, try to reach out to us at least six months before your current visa expires. Together we'll maximize your options to extend your visa and keep your employment status active.

Our Approach

Education. Collaboration. Results.

Our passion is advising and empowering our clients to successfully navigate the immigration process. We do this through our clients-first approach, we get to know your issues and work with you to determine the best course of action. Our approach is collaborative and team-oriented – we ask questions, we engage, we leave no option unexplored.

We are masters of our craft and we have a formula that works to help our clients achieve their legal goals. The most empowered clients are the most successful clients.

Vision

To empower talented creative professionals seeking a path to work in the United States with the tools to fully understand their legal options and make informed decisions to be active participants in their immigration journey.

Our Mission

Accessibility

To be accessible as a team by cultivating open, honest and direct relationships with clients. We reveal information and share knowledge pivotal to a client's immigration journey.

Excellence

Continue to be the best-in-class, most knowledgeable, preferred choice among creative professionals and organizations for all immigration and naturalization law needs.

Environment

Foster a healthy and productive work environment that reflects our core values of transparency, honesty, and respect so that every employee is recognized and valued for their commitment, talent and skill.

Communication

Our business philosophy is cultivated on information sharing, transparency, directness, mutual respect and honesty between lawyer, team and client.

Compassion

To act with integrity, compassion and respect to achieve the desired goals of our clients.

The Lehach Filippa Fellowship Program

True to our vision, Lehach Filippa also provides free legal services to recipients of the Lehach Filippa Fellowship Program. It is our aim that through the LF Fellowship Program we are able to promote the free exchange of the arts, enrich the cultural fabric of the US, and provide a voice for artists seeking positive social change through artistic mediums.

Guidelines

Artists selected should be able to demonstrate their participation in innovative, progressive or revolutionary work that promotes social, environmental, economic or political justice. LF Fellowship recipients are selected on a bi-monthly basis.

Pro Bono

There is zero cost to apply for the LF Fellowship Program. If chosen, our team provides our complete services for the US artist visa application free of charge minus standard government processing fees.

How to Apply

For further details regarding qualifications, frequently asked questions, and to apply for the program please click here.

Team Bios

Michael Lehach, Esq. Founding Partner

Michael is a founding partner of the law office of Lehach Filippa. Michael has spent over a decade committed to reuniting families and helping clients to pursue opportunities to live and work in the United States. Since 2004, he has been advocating and litigating for clients on almost every type of immigration issue including complex asylum and waiver cases, artist visas, green cards, family petitions, criminal-immigration cases, as well as appeals and Federal petitions for review. Michael is at ease in the courtroom and has presented oral arguments on precedent-setting cases before the Board of Immigration Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In 2011, Michael merged his immigration practice with that of his partner Alejandro Filippa to form an immigration law firm focused on facilitating artist visas and residence applications for creative professionals. Today, Lehach Filippa is one of the most recognized and fastest growing law practices for immigration and nationality law in New York.

Michael earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Florida, and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Michael is proficient in Mandarin and completed further studies at Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, Taiwan and also at Shaanxi Normal University in Xi’an, China. Outside the office you can likely find Michael spending time with his wife or playing the guitar, bass or the drums.

Alejandro Filippa, Esq. Founding Partner

Alejandro is a founding partner of the law office of Lehach Filippa. Alejandro has spent over a decade focused exclusively on immigration law. He began his career working with the New York Association for New Americans, a non-profit dedicated to providing legal services to the most underserved immigrant communities in the city. Later, Alejandro consulted for a few private law offices in Midtown Manhattan where he learned the inner workings of business immigration and first dreamed of starting his own office.

By 2006, Alejandro was in business for himself, continuing his passion for immigration law and narrowing his focus to facilitate work visas for creative professionals seeking to share their artistic talents in his hometown of New York City. In 2011, Alejandro partnered with fellow colleague and immigration attorney, Michael Lehach, to form an immigration law firm focused on facilitating artist visas and residence applications for creative professionals. Today, Lehach Filippa is one of the most recognized and fastest growing law practices for immigration and naturalization law in New York. Alejandro earned his undergraduate degree in history and political science from New York University and his Juris Doctor from New York Law School. When not in the office you can find Alejandro spending time with his family at their home in lower Manhattan or brushing up on his Muay Thai martial arts moves.

Jung Eun Kim, Esq. Managing Attorney

Jung is a managing attorney and is responsible for supervising a team of associates, administrative staff and contract writers at Lehach Filippa. Jung’s areas of focus include temporary visas, RFE petitions, permanent residence and asylum. Prior to joining the practice in 2013, Jung represented victims of domestic violence, child custody, and immigration relief cases at the New York Legal Assistance Group. Previously, Jung represented petitioners in family court on behalf of the Courtroom Advocates Project based in New York. Jung earned her undergraduate degree from Ewha Woman’s University, South Korea and her Juris Doctor from New York Law School. In her spare time, Jung enjoys spending time with her family, following the latest trends, and enjoying haute cuisine.

Sarah Bibawy, Esq. Attorney

Sarah is an attorney at Lehach Filippa and has spent her entire legal career in immigration law. Sarah began as an intern at Lehach Filippa working on special projects such as Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) petitions and also family based petitions and immigration applications. Soon after, Sarah continued to hone her skills in all matters of immigration law working predominantly on visas for corporate clients in the sports, fashion and fitness arenas at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bersen & Loewy. Sarah also served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Leo M. Gordon where she was responsible for managing research for a variety of customs and trade cases on behalf of the United States Court for International Trade. Sarah grew up in NYC and earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Hunter College, City University New York and her Juris Doctor from New York Law School. When not in the office, you can find Sarah in search of the perfect coffee shop to indulge in her favorite things: coffee, music and poetry.

Kaitlyn Marrero Paralegal

Kaitlyn is a paralegal at Lehach Filippa and is responsible for assisting in all matters of immigration law with a focus on O-1 visas. Prior to joining the firm in 2015, Kaitlyn worked with the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration where she was responsible for coordinating cultural events, administrative petitions and drafting press releases. Prior to that, Kaitlyn was sharpening her legal skills at the law offices of Daniel A. Serratelli focusing on child custody, divorce, and domestic violence cases at the local, federal and state levels. Kaitlyn began her career helping others as a volunteer with the New York Cares organization where she was responsible for organizing logistics and connecting those most in need to the food banks they operate throughout the city. Kaitlyn earned her undergraduate degree in political science at Pennsylvania State University. When not in the office you can find Kaitlyn at the volleyball court where she plays for a local league or enjoying a concert at one of her favorite music venues throughout the city.

Amy Vazquez Paralegal

Amy is a Paralegal at Lehach Filippa and has gained extensive experience in the preparation of O-1 visa petitions. Prior to her current position, Amy was our Administrative Director, handling calendars, scheduling, logistics, and general office duties. Before coming to Lehach Filippa, Amy was responsible for administrative functions at a general practice law office in Newburgh, New York. Prior to that, Amy worked as a customer service representative in the fashion industry for notable brands including Neiman Marcus and Burberry. She earned her undergraduate degree in international relations and political science from Iona College located in New Rochelle, NY. Outside of the office, Amy spends her time with family and friends, traveling, skiing during the winter supporting her favorite baseball team, the Mets.

Fabiana Araujo, Esq. Associate

Fabiana is an associate attorney at Lehach Filippa and has spent her career supporting corporate and individual clients with her expertise in business immigration law. Prior to her role at Lehach Filippa, Fabiana worked as an associate at Katona & Mir providing a range of immigration legal services. Prior to that, Fabiana was an associate at the law offices of Jan H. Brown focusing on non-immigrant and immigrant visa petitions. Fabiana has also held roles early in her career at Wildes & Weinberg and also Families for Freedom, a New York-based human rights organization created to support families facing and fighting deportation.

Fabiana earned her undergraduate degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and her Juris Doctor from City University of New York. While at CUNY she served as a student attorney in the Citizen Rights Clinic and also as a legal intern for the United Nations, in Vienna, Austria, and for the International Criminal Court, in The Hague, Netherlands. When not in the office, you can find Fabiana soaking in the sun at the beach or traveling abroad to a new destination.

Christopher Hydal Solicitor

Christopher is a solicitor at Lehach Filippa with a background in international employment law. Prior to his role at Lehach Filippa, Christopher was an associate at McAllister Olivarius, an international law firm based in London, UK focused on protecting individuals who face discrimination in the workplace. While at McAllister Olivarius, Christopher represented individuals seeking protections in the areas of reputation management and commercial dispute resolution. Prior to his role as an attorney, Christopher served as an analyst at the U.S. Embassy in London where he was tasked with compliance protection for non-immigrant visas.

Christopher earned his undergraduate degree in classics from Boston College and completed his legal studies in London at Kingston University, The City Law School and BPP University. When not in the office, Christopher enjoys spending time with his wife, family and friends.

Careers

We hire the best. If you want to be part of a highly skilled and dynamic team that makes a difference and you want to work with awesome people, then we want to hear from you.
Legal professionals, writers, and interested parties may contact our hiring team at hello@lehachfilippa.com. We like hearing from talented and passionate people and we could be looking for someone just like you.